#Book margin safety pdf full#

America's commercial nuclear power plants were initially licensed for 40 years. This methodology addresses aggressive power uprates and life extensions afforded by advances in the state of the art of nuclear technology. The goal of this thesis is to develop a methodology to evaluate the engineering and economic implications of maximizing performance of the United States' commercial fleet of nuclear power plants. Introduces the reader to the role of nuclear power in the global energy mix Reviews the fundamental ageing-degradation mechanisms of materials used in nuclear power plant structures, systems and components (SSC) Examines topics including elimination of ageing effects, plant design, and the application of plant life management (PLiM) practices in a range of commercial nuclear reactor types With its distinguished international team of contributors, Understanding and mitigating ageing in nuclear power plants is a standard reference for all nuclear plant designers, operators, and nuclear safety and materials professionals and researchers. Finally, Part IV reviews the particular ageing degradation issues, plant designs, and application of plant life management (PLiM) practices in a range of commercial nuclear reactor types. Part three reviews analysis, monitoring and modelling techniques applicable to the study of nuclear power plant materials, as well as the application of advanced systems, structures and components in nuclear power plants.

Key ageing degradation mechanisms and their effects in nuclear power plant systems, structures and components are reviewed in part two, along with routes taken to characterise and analyse the ageing of materials and to mitigate or eliminate ageing degradation effects. Part one introduces the reader to the role of nuclear power in the global energy mix, and the importance and relevance of plant life management for the safety regulation and economics of nuclear power plants. Obsolescence and other less obvious ageing-related aspects in nuclear power plant operation are also examined in depth.

Understanding and mitigating ageing in nuclear power plants critically reviews the fundamental ageing-degradation mechanisms of materials used in nuclear power plant structures, systems and components (SSC), along with their relevant analysis and mitigation paths, as well as reactor-type specific PLiM practices. It incorporates and builds upon the usual periodic safety reviews and licence renewals as part of an overall framework designed to assist plant operators and regulators in assessing the operating conditions of a nuclear power plant, and establishing the technical and economic requirements for safe, long-term operation. Plant life management (PLiM) is a methodology focussed on the safety-first management of nuclear power plants over their entire lifetime. More rigorous analyses, inspections and monitoring systems are required.

However, plant aging issues may be aggravated by the power uprate due to plant conditions. Power uprates can help the plant owner to recover the investment costs. Significant capital investments are required to extend the lifetime of an aging nuclear power plant. The impact of the power uprate on plant life management for long term operation is also an important issue. It is essential to demonstrate that all required safety margins have been properly retained and the existing safety level has been maintained or even increased, with consideration of all the conditions and parameters that have an influence on plant safety.

#Book margin safety pdf full#

These problems have arisen mainly from using dated design and safety analysis tools and insufficient understanding of the full implications of the proposed power uprate or from insufficient attention to detail during the design and implementation phase.

These include equipment damage or degraded performance, and unanticipated responses to plant conditions, etc. However, power uprates brought new challenges to plant owners and operators. A power uprate enables a nuclear power plant to increase its electrical output with low cost. The economic incentives for low-cost electricity generation will continue to drive more plant owners to identify safe and reliable methods to increase the electrical power output of the current nuclear power plant fleet.